Abstract

The St. Thomas East End Reserves, a MPA referred to as STEER in the U.S. Virgin Islands, received little to no attention until partners including the community, Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) combined efforts in 2008 to establish an informal co-management structure and develop a Management Plan. Research and monitoring activities in the STEER Management Plan are identified as critical priorities to inform management of the area. A variety of partners including TNC, UVI and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have initiated biological monitoring, contaminant sampling, coastal use mapping and watershed assessments to establish a comprehensive understanding of the coral reef communities, seagrass, mangrove and fisheries viability within STEER, as well as quantify threats to them including contaminant loading, leaking septic and erosion concerns. This presentation will highlight important aspects of the research and monitoring in STEER, some preliminary results, and the incorporation of these results into the manage-ment decision making process. Additionally, the process of engaging the public to understand and inform the research and monitoring has been successful in bringing new stakeholders to the table and garnering support for STEER. This communi-ty engagement has bolstered long-term commitment from STEER stakeholders and increased momentum for sustainable management of STEER.

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